In a significant move towards promoting sustainable development and economic growth in the Niger Delta, All On, a Shell-funded Nigerian impact investment company, has awarded a $395,000 grant to Ceesolar Energy Limited.
In a statement released on Thursday, All On stated that the investment marks the first beneficiary of the Niger Delta Grant program, a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the energy gap in the Niger Delta region.
It said Ceesolar Energy Limited will utilise the grant to bring off-grid power to the Oweighoroha community in Bayelsa State, providing essential electricity for 430 connections.
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“We are delighted to announce the grant to Ceesolar Energy,” said Caroline Eboumbou, chief executive officer of All On.
“This signing signifies our unwavering commitment, alongside Shell, to fostering a brighter future for the Niger Delta. Bayelsa’s critical importance to All On is reflected in our determination to address the significant lack of access to commercial electrification opportunities that these communities have endured,” she added.
The signing ceremony was attended by Osagie Okunbor, country chair of the Sustainable Energy for Change Initiative, Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), highlighting the program’s importance and Shell’s commitment to driving positive change in the Niger Delta.
“The Niger Delta holds immense potential. By providing grants, we can empower developers and contribute to closing the energy gap, one community at a time. Our aim is to ensure that the project is sustainable. This is the reason we went through a rigorous selection process,” Okunbor stated.
He added, “Protecting the mini-grid is crucial; we seek the cooperation of the leaders and residents of the community to prevent vandalism because the success of this project will pave the way for more initiatives, not only from All On but from other organizations as well.”
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The statement noted that Ceesolar Energy was selected from a shortlist of 15 developers following a rigorous selection process conducted by All On and the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN).
All On attributed Ceesolar Energy’s proven track record in operating within the Niger Delta and their existing project pipeline in Bayelsa State to their decision to award them with the grant.
Chibueze Ekeh, chief executive officer of Ceesolar Energy Limited, expressed excitement and gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are excited and honoured to be awarded this grant. At Ceesolar Energy, we are passionate about reducing carbon footprints through sustainable energy impacts. The Niger Delta is a region that needs sustainable energy impact; hence, this grant is timely to provide impact to 2,000 people in the Oweighoroha community through the provision of mini-grids.”
